Missing Girl’s Mother Believes Child is Alive

(McCleary, Washington) — Melissa Baum, mother of ten year old Lindsey Baum, believes her daughter is alive despite the fact that she has been kidnapped. Her daughter disappeared on Friday June 26, 2009, never returning home after having a play-date with a friend.

“I don’t think she’s in McCleary. I don’t,” Baum told The Daily World of Aberdeen, Washington. “Why would they keep her in McCleary? Whoever took her went on the freeway. There are three ways to get out of McCleary and all three ways there are freeways within five or ten minutes.”

lindseybaum

Missing child, ten year old Lindsey Baum

According to the World, Baum’s mother pleaded with whoever has her little girl to bring her to a pay phone so that she could call the police and her location could be traced.

“I’m begging whoever has her will take her to a gas station or a grocery store or a restaurant where she can go to a pay phone and call 911 and say ‘I’m Lindsey Baum’ so we can trace her and find her,” Baum said. “Just let her go. Give her a chance. Let her come home.”

vzwadSearchers have been looking for Lindsey on horseback. Divers have also been called to search nearby creeks and swamps, and a National Guard helicopter is currently examining aerial shots that were taken, according to the World. The FBI is also involved in the search.

Grays Harbor County Undersheriff Rick Scott says several tips have already been received, and investigators want information from anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in McCleary between the hours of 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday. Lindsey is 4 foot-9, weighs 80 pounds, and has brown hair and eyes. She was last seen wearing a light blue shirt with a hood and blue jeans.

http://www.nationalguard.com/

http://www.thedailyworld.com/

http://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/sheriff/rso/

http://www.amberalert.gov/

Reported by Rebecca Lullio – rebjune@aol.com

Published in: on July 1, 2009 at 2:39 pm  Leave a Comment  

FDA Panel Urges Ban on Percocet, Vicodin

(ADELPHI, Md.)A federal advisory panel voted on Tuesday to recommend a ban on Percocet and Vicodin, 2 of the most popular prescription painkillers in the world, because of their effects on the liver.

The two drugs combine a narcotic with acetaminophen, the ingredient found in popular over-the-counter products like Tylenol and Excedrin

The two drugs combine a narcotic with acetaminophen, the ingredient found in popular over-the-counter products like Tylenol and Excedrin

The 2 drugs combine a narcotic with acetaminophen, the ingredient found in popular over-the-counter products like Tylenol and Excedrin. High doses of acetaminophen are a leading cause of liver damage. The panel noted that patients who take Percocet and Vicodin for long periods need higher and higher doses to achieve the same effect

Laureen Cassidy, a spokeswoman for Abbott Laboratories, which makes Vicodin, said, “The FDA will make a final determination and Abbott will follow the agency’s guidance.”

In hopes of reducing some of these accidents, the committee voted 24-13 to recommend that the FDA reduce the highest allowed dose of acetaminophen in over-the-counter pills like Tylenol to 325 miligrams, from 500. Members voted 21-16 to reduce the maximum daily dosage to less than 4,000 milligrams.

An expert panel convened by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration voted today to recommend greater regulation of acetaminophen in response to overdose fears

An expert panel convened by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration voted today to recommend greater regulation of acetaminophen in response to overdose fears

”We have no data to show that people who overdose shop at Costco. Many members saying consumers saw the products as valuable.” Said Edward Covington, a spokesman for Johnson & Johnson.

2Travel

The recommendation is likely to come as a shock to many patients, who might be unaware of the dangers of high doses of acetaminophen, even if they know the drugs contain the ingredient

Dr. Lewis S. Nelson, a toxicologist from the New York University School of Medicine who served as the panel’s acting chairman, said experts had been warning of the dangers of combination painkillers like Percocet, which is made by Endo Pharmaceuticals, and Vicodin for years.

Acetaminophen is included in a vast array of over-the-counter cough and cold products, including Nyquil, Excedrin. Accidental poisonings result when people take two or more of these combination products without understanding the peril.

Reported by Maris Fischer marisfis@eden.rutgers.ed

http://www.webmd.com

http://www.fda.gov/

http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/per1326.htm

http://www.clearhavencenter.com/substance-abuse-treatment-resources/percocet.php

Published in: on July 1, 2009 at 1:18 pm  Leave a Comment  

Michael Jackson’s Body Taken to Neverland Ranch

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson

Los Angeles California, On Thursday, Michael Jackson’s body will be taken to his Neverland Ranch. According to a law enforcement source, there will be a public viewing at the ranch on Friday.

A source said that a plan is being developed for a thirty-car motorcade carrying Jackson’s remains from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara County, California on Thursday.

A private memorial service for Jackson will be held on Sunday. According to the Jackson family lawyer Londell McMillian.

Neverland Ranch

Neverland Ranch

The location of Jackson’s burial is still unknown. Gary, Indiana, which is Jackson’s hometown, is requesting for him to be buried there. The mayor of Gary, Indiana Rudy Clay is asking the family to send his remains back to his hometown. Spokeswoman Lalosa Burns said that Clay has been contacting the Jackson family to make this happen.

Clay told Chicago radio station WGN that he is having a memorial for Jackson next week and he expects the body to be taken to in Gary for the service.

Burns said that the Jackson memorial service will be held at U.S. Steelworks ballpark in Gary Indiana.

Mayor Clay stated the memorial service would be, “a memorial that’s fit for the prince of peace and a memorial that’s fit for Gary, Indiana’s favorite son, the greatest entertainer that ever lived.”

However, Burns said that clay has not yet received a reply from the Jackson family.

Burns said, “The mayor had spoken with a contact of the Jackson family and expressed our interest in having that to be part of the history of this great family. We have not yet received confirmation on that.”

McMillian stated that Jackson’s will from 2002 has been found. According to the family lawyer this will may be one of several.

McMillian said that he has seen the will, but is not going to discuss its details. He said that the will must go through a process called “probating the will.”

McMillian stated, “There is a process called ‘probating the will’ that will validate any will in due course.”

Probate is the legal process to prove if a will is valid. This process is used to pass on items from the deceased to the beneficiaries.

Reported by Russell Booth rbooth@eden.rutgers.edu

http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/30/michael.jackson/index.html

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090630/ap_on_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_drugs_3

http://news-briefs.ew.com/2009/06/michael-jackson-doctors-lawyer-says-singer-was-not-injected-with-demerol.html?xid=rss-music-Michael+Jackson+doc%27s+lawyer%3A+No+Demerol

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.DrugDetails

Published in: on June 30, 2009 at 10:12 pm  Leave a Comment  

Steve Jobs is Coming Back

(CUPERTINO, California – June 22) Steve Jobs is scheduled to return to his position as CEO at Apple after his leave of absence.  Jobs began his leave of absence in January and he said he would return at the end of June.  The question is will he be making it back on time as he promised?

CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs showing the iPhone

CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs showing the iPhone

“It wouldn’t be out of character for Apple to let the deadline slip a bit,” said Philip Elmer-DeWitt of Fortune Magazine.

When Jobs left he put Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook in charge.  Development regarding Jobs health has had a large effect on Apples stocks investors say.  Observers say Apple has been trying to get the public used to an Apple without Steve Jobs.  Jobs who is known for his knack of developing high demand products, his dramatic delivery during product launches, and of course his signature black turtle necks is one of the few CEO’s of a company whose face is so closely associated with it.

“He’s an iconic figure that everybody wants around, he’s the world’s greatest salesman and that’s irreplaceable, but as far as the product direction and the product quality, the road map for the next five years is already in place,” said Gene Munster, senior research analyst at Piper Jaffray.

Also check out this video from Fortune Magazine, fortune.tm.apple.jobs.fortune

Jobs was recently in the news regarding a possible liver transplant.  The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday that Jobs had undergone a liver transplant two months ago in Tennessee.  Apple refuses to comment.

“Steve continues to look forward to returning to Apple at the end of June, and there is nothing further to say,” stated Steve Dowling, Apple Spokesman.

smoking

Many people worry that if there is no Jobs in Apple, Apple will lose its uniqueness.  So far Apple has done fine without Jobs observers say.  There were several product announcements including the new iPhone 3GS.  Efforts to “wean” the public of Jobs include putting other people on stage during presentations to lessen his importance.

“Last year a lot of pundits were [saying that] if Steve Jobs left the company, the company would just immediately fall into ruin, and what’s interesting is after he went on leave, and he’s been gone for six months now, the company has had a couple of major announcements and events and has gone on fine,” said Daniel Eran Dilger, Contributing Editor of AppleInsider.com.

DeWitt of Fortune Magazine also said Apple is different and its leadership team knows what makes it different.  However, it remains to be seen if someone can step up and take the role of Steve Jobs.

Reported by Allison Barbati, allisonbarbati@gmail.com

http://www.apple.com/

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/06/22/steve.jobs.apple.return/

http://www.geek.com/articles/chips/steve-jobs-back-at-work-few-days-a-week-but-is-he-still-in-charge-20090630/

http://www.crn.com/mobile/218100814;jsessionid=SEH4X2X5KRPC4QSNDLOSKHSCJUNN2JVN

http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2009/06/18/fortune.tm.apple.jobs.fortune/

http://appleinsider.com/

http://www.piperjaffray.com/

Published in: on June 30, 2009 at 2:30 pm  Leave a Comment  

MJ Fans given the Ultimate Choice: Refund? or Souvenir Ticket??

 
Many fans are more than glad to keep their ticket as a reminder of Jackson's greatness.
Many fans are more than glad to keep their ticket as a reminder of Jackson’s greatness.

 

(LONDON, England) Fans in London are given a choice to make upon the untimely death of the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson.  Concert promoters say that fans holding tickets to his “This is ItMoonwalking%20MJtour that was scheduled to kick off July 13 of this year, can either have a full refund, or recieve a commerative ticket that pays a special tribute to the superstar.      

Jackson was gearing up for a 50 show tour at the O2 Arena in London where he was expected to net at least 50 million dollars. Tickets started at $105 and climbed from there. Fans that decided that they would rather have the ticket had eight designs to ban_txt_f_off_pmt_ban30choose from, all of which donned a design inspired by the icon himself.Jackson was the biggest pop icon in the world

“The world lost a kind soul who just happened to be the greatest entertainer the world has ever known,” said Randy Phillips, president and chief executive officer of AEG Live, “Since he loved his fans in life, it is incumbent upon us to treat them with the same reverence and respect after his death.”     MichaelJackson

The ticket designs can be seen on michaeljacksonlive.com in coming days, according to the promoters. In the meantime, all refunds will be issued by the issuing ticketing agencies — See, Ticketline, Ticketmaster and Viagogo.

Reported by: Brittnee Bynoewmlogo

bbynoe@eden.rutgers.edeu

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2009/michael.jackson.remembered/

http://weeklyworldnews.com/headlines/9352/michael-jackson-faked-his-own-death/

Published in: on June 30, 2009 at 1:30 pm  Leave a Comment  

Texas Club Sues 14-Year-Old Stripper

(CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – JUNE 22) A 14-year-old girl who was kidnapped and hired as a stripper, is now being sued by the strip club that hired her for exposing her breasts, a violation of Texas state law. Owners of Club Cheetah say they did not realize that the seventh grader was only a minor.

A 14-year-old stripper is being sued for exposing her breasts, a violation of Texas state law.

A 14-year-old stripper is being sued for exposing her breasts, a violation of Texas state law.

The club’s attorney Alan Yaffe said, “My clients said that she walked into the club with a short skirt, a top that exposed cleavage, and stilettos. She practically looked like a beauty queen. If they knew she was that young then they would never have hired her.”

Campbell kidnapped the girl and forced her to work at the strip club.

Campbell kidnapped the girl and forced her to work at the strip club.

Texas authorities say the girl was kidnapped by 48-year-old Leslie Campell. They say he took the girl from her home in San Antonio in March. When he brought her back to his residence in Corpus Christi, he sexually assaulted her, gave her a fake ID, and forced her to work at the strip club. ipod ad

Yaffe said, “This story is absolutely ridiculous. Everything is false and not a word of it is true.  The owners are smart people, they would never hire a 14-year-old.  This girl is not the victim here, my clients are.”
 
Authorities couldn’t disagree more. When they were given a picture of the girl, they said there was no way she could be mistaken for an older woman. Some customers at the club, who have seen her there before agree.
 
Club customer Tom Roberts said, “I’ve seen her before and I always wondered how she was ever hired here. The guys I would come with would think the same thing. She didn’t look any older than 16, if that.”
  
Martinez was arrested and released on bail.  His attorney says he is not guilty.

Martinez was arrested and released on bail.

Campbell is now behind bars for aggravated sexual assault and aggravated kidnapping.  One of the club’s owners Jeffrey Martinez, was also arrested on counts of employment harmful to a minor and sexual performance of a child. His attorney said he was released on bail and is not guilty.

Sgt. John Mann of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission said, “This is just one big mess. This girl was kidnapped, assaulted, hired as a stripper and is being sued? It’s ridiculous. We’re looking further into it.”

The club’s owners are also suing the city’s police chief for issues regarding his business affairs in sexually-oriented businesses, along with the girl’s parents for unknown reasons. The 14-year-old is now safely reunited with her parents back home in San Antonio.

 

http://matadornights.com/

http://www.stopchildpredators.org/index.htm

http://www.caller.com/news/2009/jun/18/club-sues-14-year-old-it-hired-stripper/

http://www.mensfitness.com/lifestyle/181

Reported by Lisa Ferrandino, lferrand@eden.rutgers.edu

Published in: on June 30, 2009 at 1:22 pm  Comments (3)  

BET Awards Celebrate Jackson’s Legacy

(Los Angeles. June 30)-  BET employees scurried to quickly create a new award show plan that would pay tribute to Michael Jackson in the wake of the pop icon’s untimely death. Jackson died Thursday from cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at the hospital after failed resuscitation attempts according to reports.

“When we heard the news of Michael Jackon’s passing we knew immediately we’d have to change the nature of this show,” said Debra L. Lee, chairman and CEO of Black Entertainment Television.

In a matter of three or four days BET managed to fill the show with tribute performances from big stars like Ciara, Beyonce, Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo, Jamie Foxx, and Maxwell. Lee deemed the effort a “labor of love” on behalf of the cable channel.

The show pulled in biggest ratings it’s ever seen since its start in 2001 says Nielson Media Research.  The awards ceremony received a 5.8 ratings up 2.8 points from its previous showings and an estimated 10 percent of all turned-on televisions were tuned in.

The show also honored other talents such as the O’Jays with the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award, and Wylcef Jean and Alicia Keys with the Humanitarian Awards. Best Male and Female R&B artists were given to Ne-Yo and Beyonce.

Janet and Joe Jackson were present on behalf of the family. In an emotional speech on stage Janet Jackson gave thanks to all of the fans, friends, and family for supporting the Jackson’s during their time of mourning.

“My entire family wanted to be here, but it was just too painful,” she said.

“To you Michael is an icon. To us Michael is family. And he will forever live in all of our hearts”.

Reported by Nakeya Brown

Nakeya@news.com

http://www.yourworldreport.com/wild_world/jackson_faked_his_death.htm

http://www.michaeljackson.com/

http://travel.state.gov/family/services/exploitation/exploitation_583.html

http://crime.about.com/od/current/p/michael_jackson.htm

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/27/michael-jackson-tribute-f_n_221807.html

Published in: on June 30, 2009 at 11:39 am  Leave a Comment  

Deadly Train Crash Near D.C.

88610676WM016_FORMER_IRANIA

WASHINGTON – A metro train derailed and rear-ended another passenger train the evening of Monday, June 22nd between the Takoma and Fort Totten Stations just outside Washington D.C.  The crash, which occurred around 5 p.m. killed nine people and injured 75 more.

                Emergency crews were called to the scene and began work on the wreckage immediately.  Heavy-duty equipment was brought and used to cut through the metal frame of the trains.  All bodies and survivors were pulled from the two trains within a few hours. 

Among those killed was 42-year-old Jeanice McMillan, the operator of the train that caused the accident.  McMillan, who began working for Metro in 2007, has been operating trains for about four months and was trained for two months prior. APTOPIX Metro Train Derailment

“At this point there is no way to know whether human error played a role in the crash but investigators are reviewing results of the autopsy and toxicology reports on Ms. McMillan. We have also requested records of her training, medical history, work/rest periods in the last 72 hours and cellphone use.” said Debbie Hersman, a member of the National Transportation Safety Board. 

                 The six-car passenger train was a part of the Red Line commuter rail, one of the more heavily used lines of the Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC).   Thousands of commuters ride the Red Line daily from their homes in the suburbs to their jobs in the city. 

                In a statement, President Obama said, “Michelle and I were saddened by the terrible accident in Northeast Washington, D.C., today.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends affected by this tragedy.  I want to thank the brave first responders who arrived immediately to save lives.”

                Investigation remains to explain the reason behind thCorolla_10x4colse crash.  Health officials are concerned the accident may be attributed to the train being outdated, in which case this may not be an isolated event.  Other parts of the investigation are focusing on the possibility of human error on the part of operator McMillan. 

                In the meantime, Metro has initiated a $250,000 fund in order to help the families of the victims. 

Reported by Danielle DiPascale

dipascal@eden.rutgers.edu

http://www.mtamaryland.com/services/marc/

http://www.ntsb.gov/

http://www.oli.org/

http://www.gblawyers.com/?gclid=CK3q74m9tZsCFSBN5QodbyabOg

Published in: on June 29, 2009 at 5:41 pm  Leave a Comment  

FEDERER ADVANCES

http://wimbledonlawntennischampionship.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/roger-federer_wimbledon_finals.jpg

WIMBLEDON, England- Roger Federer won his first round of Wimbledon on Monday and now advances to round two.  Federer, five time Wimbledon champion, was matched against Yen-Hsun Lu of Taiwan.  Federer won 7-5, 6-3, 6-2.  Decent weather allowed for the roof on Centre Court to remain open during the entire the match.

https://i0.wp.com/www.flasharcade.com/images/bigthumbs/online-tennis-game.jpg

CLICK PICTURE to play tennis online!

Federer said,  “ I’m very happy about moving on to round two.  I thought I had a very solid performance.”

https://i0.wp.com/onearthtravel.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/priceline2.gif

Federer said that he is seeking his fifteenth major Grand Slam title.  With fourteen titles won so far in his career, he is tied with Pete Sampras for most titles won.  With a victory at Wimbledon, Federer will hold the most Grand Slam men’s singles titles.

Pete Sampras said, “I hope that Roger does win Wimbledon.  He certainly deserves it because he has worked very hard for it.”

http://digitalheadbutt.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/rafael-nadal.jpg

Rafael Nadal

During an interview, Rafael Nadal said he decided to withdraw from Wimbledon because of sore knees.  Last year at Wimbledon, Nadal and Federer played head to head during the finals.  Nadal broke Federer’s winning streak and beat him for the title.  Since Nadal has withdrawn, he will be the first Wimbledon champion since 2002 that will not return to defend his title.

Nadal said, “I am disappointed that I had to withdraw because of my knees.”

Federer advances to the second round in hopes of getting closer to a possible sixth Wimbledon title.  After Nadal’s withdrawal, Federer is a strong favorite among many fans to win.

Wimbledon
Tennis.com
ESPN
WebMD

Reported by Sarah Grumet, sgrumet@eden.rutgers.edu

Published in: on June 29, 2009 at 4:40 pm  Leave a Comment  

Georgia Man Wins Big Twice in One Week

A sixty-two year old man from Augusta, Georgia enjoyed a pair of visits from lady luck this past week, hitting the lottery twice since last Monday.

earl fritz2

62-year-old Earl Fritz played the Georgia Lottery game, “Super Lucky 7’s” and won $777,777.

“I thought I I felt lucky last week when I cashed in a $1,000 winner,” said Earl Fritz, the Two-Time Lottery Winner. “Now I feel a little bit luckier and I couldn’t be happier.”

Earl Fritz claimed one-thousand dollars before netting the top prize of the instant game Super Lucky Seven’s earlier today.  He won 7-hundred seventy-seven thousand, seven hundred and seven dollars, to be exact.

 Faye Fritz, Earl’s wife, said she didn’t believe him when he told her the good news.

“I was at the grocery store when he called me and I thought he was just fooling,” she said. “I had to rush home to see for myself.”

Fritz says he purchased both tickets at Ms. Carolyn’s. He didn’t realize he had won the big prize at first because he wasn’t wearing his glasses. The store owner says this is a first.

ToyotaBack

“I’ve been working at this location for over twenty years, and this is the first time a customer has been able to claim a prize this big,” said Store Owner Ahmet Monteperto. “Most of the time, winnings are a few hundred. I believe this is the first prize more than one-thousand dollars.”

Fritz, a carpenter and grandfather of four says he doesn’t want to continue to press his luck. He plans to change his daily routine of purchasing lottery tickets.

“I stop at Ms. Carolyn’s everyday on my way home from work,” Fritz said. ” I don’t want to be greedy, so I guess now I’ll have one less stop to make.”

Fritz and his wife have not yet decided to do with the prize money. 

Reported by Lauren Caruso – lecaruso@eden.rutgers.edu

 

 

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/WaterCooler/wireStory?id=7900741

http://georgialottery.com

http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Published in: on June 29, 2009 at 1:27 pm  Leave a Comment  

Baghdad Bombings

car bomb

An Iraqi police officer stands next to the wreckage of a car bomb on Monday.

(BAGHDAD, IRAQ June 22, 2009) Recent bombings have killed at least 23 people in Iraq’s major cities.  A roadside bomb attached to a motorcycle killed four in a busy marketplace.

“The person who did this was either a military member or a person who has a military experience,” said Ali al-Badran, a police commander who witnessed one of the violent incidents.

jersey_mike_subs

These explosions have occurred throughout the country, and many of the victims have been Iraqi civilians.  One roadside bomb killed three students while another bomb damaged a military vehicle, wounding four American soldiers.

“What did these students do to deserve this? They’re not politicians, Americans or policemen to be attacked,” asked one witness, Mohammed Yezen.

The brutal violence is becoming more widespread throughout Iraq, as eight people were killed in a different bombing in Mosul, including two US soldiers.  The cause of these bombing is still unknown, leaving many to speculate their perpetrators.

“There is an organized campaign by terrorist groups aimed at confusing the security situation,” said al-Badran.

US Soldiers in Iraq

US Soldiers in Iraq

These attacks follow the deadliest bombing of the year, when 80 people were killed on Saturday.  The violence and tension has reached a breaking point as US troops are expected to leave all major Iraq cities by the end of June.  Some Iraqi citizens blame the US for the recent outburst of violence.

“The Americans did it to get a pretext for delaying their withdrawal and to show us how we will be victims after they leave,” said Farouk Adnan, a local shopkeeper.

Most citizens, however, do not blame US soldiers for the recent bloodshed.  As the deadline to remove American forces approaches, the violence is more brutal than before.  Meanwhile, there is great uncertainty for what this means for civilians and other possible terrorist attacks. Already, too many people have been killed.

Diane Rachuba reporting from Baghdad, Iraq. She can be reached for comments and questions at rachuba@rutgers.edu.

New York Times’ Coverage of Iraq

Al Jazeera’s Coverage of Iraq

US Department of Defense

Iraqi Terrorist Organization

Published in: on June 29, 2009 at 12:20 pm  Leave a Comment  

Terrorist Watch List

Washington June 20th- A report done by the Government Accountability Office that was released last week showed that people on the governments terrorist watch list have tried to buy weapons one-thousand times in the last five years according to a study done by the Government Accountability Office.

The study done by the Government Accountability Office shows that 865 out of 963 requests made by those on the list in the past five years were approved after a three day scan by the F.B.I. The study shows that the people on the terrorist watch list were able to successfully purchase weapons nine out of ten times.

According to the government report, these people on the terrorist watch list were able to buy weapons because the government had no legal way to prevent them. All gun purchases have to be approved by the government. The government is allowed to prevent the purchase of weapons if they discover the buyer is a felon, illegal immigrant, or drug addict.

Senator Frank Lautenberg

Senator Frank Lautenberg

New Jersey Democrat Senator Frank R. Lautenburg requested the study and after reading the statistics he told an interviewer, “This is a glaring omission, and it’s a security issue.”

Senator Lautenburg introduced legislation on Monday June 22 that would allow the Attorney General to block gun sales to people on the terror watch list. The government watch list had an increase of one million names after the September 11 terrorist attacks. The watch list had created controversy because of unclear links to terrorism or mistaken identities.

The Justice Department released a report in May that found the terrorist watch list used by the F.B.I had placed people on the list based on irrelevant or outdated information.

AndrewArulanandam, the spokesman for the National Rifle Association stated, “There have been numerous studies and reports questioning the integrity, and we believe law-abiding people who are on the list by error should not be arbitrarily denied their civil rights”.

In 2007, Senator Lautenburg introduced a gun control measure, which was defeated after being opposed by the National Rifle Association. According to Lautenburg the plan failed because the governments “knuckling under to the gun lobby.” Arulanandam said the NRA would have to look at the details of the proposal before making a decision about supporting it.

In response to Senator Lautenburg’s plans Arulanandam stated, “Senator Lautenberg has always been on the wrong side of the Second Amendment. His approach is not in the interests of public safety.”

According to the F.B.I the names on the watch list are secret. Lautenburg believes that knowing the names would help assess the need for legislation. The G.A.O says the Justice Department was not sure it would support Congress if it decides to block gun sales.

Reported by Russell Booth rbooth@eden.rutgers.edu

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/20/us/politics/20watch.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=terrorist%20watch%20list&st=cse

http://www.fbi.gov/terrorinfo/counterrorism/tsc.htm

http://revolutionmuslim.com/

Published in: on June 29, 2009 at 11:53 am  Leave a Comment  

ACTRESS FARRAH FAWCETT DEAD AT 62

(LOS ANGELES, June 25)- Actress Farrah Fawcett, 62, died Thursday at St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. Fawcett died nearly three years after being diagnosed with anal cancer. Actor Ryan O’Neal, her companion of many years who returned to her side when she became ill, was with her until the end.farrah-fawcett-cp-2379428

 “After a long and brave battle with cancer, our beloved Farrah has passed away,” O’Neal said “This is a very difficult time for our family but we take comfort in the fact Farrah has touched many lives. She is looking over us all now.”  It was just earlier this week O’Neal told Barbara Walters that Fawcett had agreed to marry him once she was well enough to say “yes.”

Fawcett with longtime companion Ryan O'Neal

Fawcett with longtime companion Ryan O'Neal

 Born Feb. 2, 1947, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Fawcett shot to fame as one third of the crime fighting trio on the 1970’s show Charlie’s Angels.  She was the blond bombshell who captivated the public with her feathered hair, good

Fawcett (center) with Charlie's Angels costars Jaclyn Smith (left) and Kate Jackson

Fawcett (center) with Charlie's Angels costars Jaclyn Smith (left) and Kate Jackson

looks, and big smile. However, in recent years the public saw a different side of Farrah. When Fawcett was diagnosed with cancer she made no effort to hide her sickness. She gave up her privacy to document her cancer and therefore inspire others. “Farrah’s Story,” which aired May 15 on NBC, showed Fawcett going through chemotherapy, her rekindled relationship with Ryan O’Neal, and her day to day life living with the disease.    

 “Farrah’s Story” filmmaker and Fawcett’s best friend Alana Stewart said, “It was such an honor to work with Farrah. She was one of the sweetest and bravest women I have ever known. She was my best friend and I will miss her terribly. Her big message to people was to not give up and to keep fighting. She was and still is such an inspiration.”

     vic                                                           Fawcett was diagnosed with anal cancer in September 2006 after feeling uncharacteristically exhausted. According to the American Cancer Association, anal cancer kills over 700 people in the United States each year. Fawcett leaves behind her incarcerated son Redmond O’Neal, 24.   Funeral arrangements are set for Tuesday, June 30 in California.

“She was just so special,” said Charlie’s Angels costar Jaclyn Smith, “she had courage, strength and faith. Now, Farrah finally has peace and gets to rest with the real angels.”    

www.cancer.org

www.thecancerblog.com 

www.people.com

Reported by Nicole Fucci, nfucci@gmail.com

Published in: on June 29, 2009 at 11:26 am  Leave a Comment  

3-year-old Beheaded Over Land Conflict

(Papua New Guinea, June 22) A 3-year-old girl was beheaded today in Papua New Guinea which was believed to be over a local land dispute. The police started an investigation in the Madang province of New Guinea after residents, who knew the girl, reported her missing. Officials on the case claimed there were seven men involved in the murder of the child.

Chief Inspector Anthony Wagambie, Police Commander of Madong Province stated, “This killing seems so brutal for such a little child. She had nothing to do with the conflict.” Wagambie spoke to Papua New Guinea’s The National newspaper and said the police force would keep investigating this “gruesome act.”

The little girl was abducted by the seven men from the northeastern coastal village of Bogia, where she lived with her mother and another infant child. The police officials have reported that four out of the seven men have been arrested. Investigators said the case would remain open until every man involved in the horrific act was captured and arrested.

“We will not tolerate this sort of violence in our country. What kind of men could do this to a little girl? Yes, many conflicts are underway in our province, but no child should suffer the consequences. It is a sad day when a child dies, especially when it is over land,” stated Sgt. Michael Kajon, a police sergeant who also investigated the case.

The child’s mother was also assaulted in the dispute, but she was able to flee the scene without getting harmed. Officials said the mother also carried along with her another infant child who was believed to be the girl’s sibling. The body of the 3-year-old girl was reported as still missing.

“There has been no link between the family and perpetrators. We are still unclear of why they were involved in such a tragedy,” Wagambie said.

The land conflicts in Papua New Guinea were started at the end of 2004 and beginning of 2005 when volcanic eruptions displaced thousands of Manam islanders. The residents were displaced from their homes and were relocated to several Care Centers in Bogia and Sumkar. The conflicts have been over the distress of land shortages among the locals of Bogia and the resettled Manam residents.

It was reported earlier this year that four Manam islanders have been killed over the dispute.

Local Ward Counselor, Charles Yanda, said the local people have looked to the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Sir Michael Somare, to settle the conflict. “Many local people feel the Prime Minister must step in now because the tensions are getting worse. It is also sad when the Manam people realize they are not wanted here by some locals, but can not return to their island,” said Yanda.

Reported by Alyssa Itzkowitz, alyssait@eden.rutgers.edu

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,528070,00.html

http://www.thenational.com.pg/062209/nation4.php

http://www.sphereproject.org/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=290

http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/eap/119053.htm

Published in: on June 29, 2009 at 11:23 am  Comments (1)  

Mickelson Finishes Second Again

(Farmingdale, NY-June 22)  Phil Mickelson came up just short at the US Open again.  He finished tied for second, two strokes behind winner Lucas Glover.  This is the fifth time in his career that Phil has finished second at the Open.  Phil was tied for the lead before making back to back bogeys, in what proved to be a roller coaster  week for him.060618_mickelson_vmed_5p.widec

Phil Mickelson had this to say about his final round, “I felt good heading into the final round.  I was really striking the ball well with my

irons, and off the tee’s, but my putting just wasn’t there when it mattered most.”

 

Phil started the round seven strokes back of leader Ricky Barnes, and six behind Lucas Glover.  But Barnes and Glover started their rounds poorly, both bogeying the first two holes.  This left Phil with only a five stroke deficit to overcome.  Phil followed up an amazing tee shot on the 14th, with a beautiful approach, leaving him a twelve-foot putt for eagle.  Phil hit the putt and the crowd let out a deafening roar as the ball fell into the side of the cup, sending an audible message to Glover and Barnes that Phil had pulled into a tie for the lead.bmw-jaguar-ad

 

Phil’s caddie, Bones Richards said, “When Phil hit the putt on 14, we both thought we had a very good chance of winning.  At the worst, we knew we were in position to force a playoff.  But then we bogey the 16th and 17th and I think we both knew it just wasn’t going to happen.”

 

Barnes started the day with a one stroke lead over Lucas Glover, but the pressure of being the leader quickly got to Barnes who, along with Glover, allowed Phil and the rest of the pack back into the tournament with their poor play.  Glover managed to fight through the pressure and right the ship with a birdie on 13.  

 

Phil’s playing partner for the final round, Hunter Mahan, had this to say “When Phil hit that eagle on 14, we all knew it was going to come down to the final couple of holes…it was absolutely heart breaking to watch Phil bogey those two holes…after everything he and his family have been through in the last month, your heart just goes out to the guy.”Lucas-Glover-001

 

After Phil faltered, Glover hit a birdie on 16, and then hit a crucial par putt on 17 from twelve feet away.  He walked to the 18th tee with a two stroke lead on Mickelson. 

 

Glover was asked if he knew where he stood late in the round, “I’m a scoreboard watcher.  I know a lot of guys don’t like to, but I like to know exactly where I stand.  I compare it to football, you have to manage the clock.  When I walked up to the 18th tee, I knew I could just play it conservatively.  All I had to do was hit the fairway and avoid the bunkers.  Then I just aimed for the center of the green so I could make a two putt par.  When that putt went in, it was just an amazing feeling.”

 

Despite the end result, the stage belonged to Phil, as it usually does in New York.  In 2001, when the Open was first played at Bethpage Black, Phil established a special relationship with the New York fans.  That relationship continued when the Open went to Wingfoot in upstate New York in 2005.  This week was no different.  Phil engaged the fans throughout his rounds.  He even acknowledged that he had brushed up on New York sports teams like the Yankees and Mets, so that he could talk to the fans.  When Phil made his par on 18, the fans gave him a standing ovation as he walked off the course.Mickelsons Wife Golf

 

Phil said of the fans, “I want to personally thank the fans.  They kept me going this week, and I was able to feed off their energy and enthusiasm.  I really wanted to win, not only for myself, but for them too.  My wife and I just can’t thank them enough for all the wonderful things they’ve said and done for us during this incredibly difficult time.  I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, but I know I desperately want to win this tournament.”

 

The weather might have been the biggest star this week.  It wrecked havoc on the tournament, twice causing play to be suspended and forcing the first non-playoff Monday finish since 1976.  Phil will now take an extended leave of absence from the tour to be with his wife Amy as she begins treatment for breast cancer.  Phil said he was not sure when he would return, and that he was virtually sure he would miss the British Open next month.

 

 

http://www.philmickelson.com

 

http://www.espn.com

 

http://www.golf.com

 

http://www.breastcancer.org

 

 

Reported by Christian Kloberdanz 

Published in: on June 29, 2009 at 11:12 am  Leave a Comment  

Obama signs powerful anti-smoking bill

 
President Barack Obama signs the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

President Barack Obama signs the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

WASHINGTON D.C. (June 22)-At the White House Rose Garden President Barack Obama signed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act today.  The bill will now give the Food and Drug Administration new power to regulate the manufacturing, marketing and sale of tobacco in the United States.

“The decades-long effort to protect our children from the harmful effects of smoking has finally emerged,” said Obama during the signing ceremony.

Though the bill will not allow the FDA to completely eradicate tobacco products, it does allow the FDA to closely regulate what ingredients go into tobacco products, make public the ingredients and prohibits marketing techniques that are targeted towards children. The FDA can now lower the amount of nicotine in tobacco products, ban candy flavorings in tobacco products, and block misleading labels that describe the products as “low tar” or “light.” Even though warnings are printed on tobacco products, the FDA will now require cartons to be covered with large and explicit warnings.

Not everyone is excited and optimistic about the bill. Altria Group, which owns Phillip Morris USA, the nation’s biggest cigarette company, did initially express approval towards the passing of the bill. Yet, concerns about first amendment rights violations were simultaneously expressed.

An unnamed Altria Group associate voiced “first Amendment reservations about certain provisions, including those that could restrict a manufacturer’s ability to communicate truthful information to adult consumers about tobacco products.”

Many Americans are also expressing opposition towards the bill. According to a Gallup Poll conducted June 14 Anti-smokingto 17, fifty-two percent ofAmericans are opposed to the bill while forty-six percent support it. According to MSNBC.com, top tobacco growing states, such as North Carolina, are opposed to the bill and believe that the FDA had proved ,through a series of food safety failures, that it was not up to the job of regulation. Instead of this bill, the states propose that lawmakers give consumers different options such as smokeless tobacco.

“I know because I was one of those teenagers. I know how difficult it can be when you get started at a young age,” said Obama as he criticized tobacco company marketing ploys that prey upon impressionable children.

No Smoking

More and more cities have banned smoking in certain public areas.

Though the number of American smokers has decreased a good deal in the last few decades, there are still more than 40 million smokers in the United States. Every year more than 400,000 Americans die from tobacco-related illnesses and tobacco related health care costs exceed $100 billion, noted Obama. These statistics have lead Obama and other supporters to believe that this law will save American lives.

The bill is the latest legislative victory for Obama since his inception as president. According to cnn.com, included among his other successes are: a $787 economic stimulus bill, legislation to expand a state program providing children’s health insurance and a bill making it easier for workers to sue for pay discrimination.

 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31481823/ns/politics-white_house/#storyContinued

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/06/22/obama.tobacco/index.html?iref=newssearch

http://www.nysmokefree.com/newweb/default.aspx

http://fujipub.com/fot/

http://www.newport-pleasure.com/

Reported by Shander Ramos, shramos@eden.rutgers.edu

Published in: on June 29, 2009 at 2:54 am  Leave a Comment  

Somalia Amputations Spread Fear Within

(MOGADISHU-Somalia)A court controlled by Islamic extremists in Mogadishu on Monday sentenced four teens to amputation as punishment for robbery. The verdict said the four young men would lose both an arm and a leg as penalty for the crime. The decision came from al-Shabaab, one of the most powerful insurgent groups in Somalia.

somalia amputations

“We have convicted them of theft, so they deserve to have their arms and legs amputated,” said Sheik Abdul Haq, the al-Shabaab judge in Mogadishu.

The young men were convicted of stealing cell phones and guns, but the judge has not set a date for the sentence to be carried out.

Amputations under al-Shabaab are not uncommon, as they follow a strict Sharia law, but are considered rare in the moderate Muslim capital. Many humanitarian groups are reacting to the punishment, considering it to be too cruel for the crime.

A video from NTV Kenya:

Tawanda Hondora, Deputy Director of Amnesty International’s Africa Program said: “These sentences were ordered by a sham al-Shabab court with no due process or guarantee of fairness.”

Citizens worry that the extremist group is using harsh action to show power and eventually control Somalia, installing a strict Islamic state. A recent surge of violence in the country has sparked the president to declare a state of emergency, hoping it will bring necessary change.

“We are asking the world community to rescue Somali people…We have been trying to solve everything with talks but we realized that they (the rebels) don’t want peace but violence,” said President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed.caitlin ad 2

It is not clear what difference the declaration will make in bringing peace. Somalia has also requested immediate international intervention, but there has not been any indication of help yet.

www.somaliawatch.org

www.religioustolerance.org/islsharia.htm

www.amnestyinternationalusa.org

Reported by Caitlin Tierney caity@eden.rutgers.edu

Published in: on June 28, 2009 at 11:40 pm  Leave a Comment  

Strip Search Violates Child’s Rights


26scotus.inline-1WASHINGTON-The United States Supreme Court ruled on Thursday, that a strip search of a 13-year-old female violated the Constitution, in an 8-1 decision.  The student, Savana Redding, was accused of giving prescription strength Ibuprofen to another female student in a Safford, Ariz. public middle school.

The school enforced a zero tolerance drug policy.
Justice David Souter said the search did not violate the fourth amendment. But, the strength of the pills was the equivalent of two Advils and did not justify an embarrassing and frightening search.
School officials ordered Redding to strip to her undergarments. She was ordered to move her undergarments away from her body, exposing herself. The officials did not find any drugs.
The case set off debate about the amount of leeway school officials

1466339757_b367ad4822should posses regarding enforcing zero tolerance drug policies. Parents were appalled at the intrusive search. Other parents were concerned about the safety of their children.

The decision did not offer schools clear guidance. School officials were told to look at the extent of danger and whether there is good reason to think students concealed drugs in intimate places.
Justice Souter said, “A number of communities have decided that strip searches in schools are never reasonable and have banned them no matter what the facts may be.” New York has completely banned strip searches from their schools.

Justice Clarence Thomas was the only justice that deemed the strip search constitutional. Thomas said, “Redding would not have been the first person to conceal pills in her undergarments,” he wrote. “Nor will she be the last after today’s decision, which announced the safest places to secrete contraband in school.”
Now Redding is 19 years old, and said she is “pretty excited” by the decision. “It makes me feel good,” she said, “that they recognized that it was against my rights and that it most likely won’t happen to anyone else.”
Justice Souter wrote that a search like that undergone by Redding must be supported by more than another student’s accusation. Justice Souter wrote, ““The content of the suspicion failed to match the degree of the intrusion,” particularly given “the nature and limited threat of the specific drugs” at issue.

Reported by Amml Hussein

amml@eden.rutgers.edu

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/25/savana-redding-strip-sear_n_220717.html

http://www.childrensdefense.org/

https://egov.azdes.gov/CMSInternet/main.aspx?menu=154&id=2030

http://www.city-data.com/city/Safford-Arizona.html

http://www.supremecourtus.gov/

http://www.ed.gov/index.jhtml

https://egov.azdes.gov/CMSInternet/main.aspx?menu=154&id=2030

Published in: on June 28, 2009 at 11:20 pm  Leave a Comment  

Father’s Day Killing

(PENNSYLVANIA, June 22) 62-year-old Monroe County resident fatally shot his son on Father’s Day. Bernard Uckele surrendered and was arrested after a short car pursuit, Sunday morning.

Uckele Family's Jackson Township home

Uckele Family's Jackson Township home

Lieutenant Robert Bartal said Pennsylvania State police received a report of a domestic dispute at the Uckele home at 12:45 a.m. Sunday.

Outside garage where Justin Uckele was found dead

Outside garage where Justin Uckele was found dead

Authorities believe that a family argument led to the death of Justin Uckele. Police believe Justin’s girlfriend had fought with his sister earlier Sunday afternoon and the father had become involved.

“He [Bernard Uckele] had a hot temper. They [Uckele family] definitely fought a lot,” Ben Davis, a neighbor of the family, said after hearing of the incident.

As the fight between the women escalated and the father intervened, Justin returned home from work. Bernard Uckele shot his son with a .44 caliber gun from 3 feet away. When police arrived, they found Justin dead in the garage. His father had fled the scene.

15Lieutenant Louis Damelio said, “A description of Bernard Uckele’s vehicle was broadcast over police radios, and state police from Fern Ridge and Swiftwater located him on Route 115. They were able to stop him after a short pursuit wherein he surrendered.”

Bernard Uckele is charged with criminal homicide and fleeing and eluding police. He is being held in Monroe County Correctional Facility without bail.

www.nra.com

www.pacounseling.com

Reported by Eliana Larramendia for elarramenews.com

Published in: on June 28, 2009 at 11:51 am  Leave a Comment  

JAYSON WILLIAMS RETRIAL

(Newark, NJ June 22)  Today in Hunterdon County prosecutors asked for the immediate sentencing of Former New Jersey Nets Center Jayson Williams.  They cite his recent behavior in North Carolina and New York as the reason for this request.  Williams is currently free on bail as he awaits a retrial of his 2004 reckless manslaughter charges.

Hunterdon County Assistant Prosecutor Bennett Barlyn said, “Defendant’s escalating acts of unlawful and aberrant behavior must incur consequences that he has thus far evaded as the clear result of never having been sentenced on his convictions.”

Williams was charged with reckless manslaughter for shooting 55-year old Costas Christofi in 2002 during a party at his mansion.  Additional charges were brought up when witnesses thought they saw Williams wiping his gun and placing it on Christofi’s body.

“I’m ready to close the door on my past and put this horrible chapter behind me,” Williams said.

The trial has been pushed back to January 2010.  It has already been pushed back several times, most notibly in 2007 when an investigator on the prosecution used a racial slur to describe Williams in 2002.

Lead Defense Attorney Joseph Hayden Jr. said, “Mr. Williams is in a good state of mind.  We are confident that the truth in this case will get us the results that we want.”

Williams defense team will maintain that the shooting was an accident in the hopes of setting Williams free.  The prosecution want to see him jailed as he awaits retrial in this case because of his behavior in New York and North Carolina.

 

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/01/the_retrial_of_former_new.html

www.nba.com

 http://jayson-williams-news.newslib.com/story/475-2783903/

http://www.nrahq.org/education/guide.asp

http://depts.washington.edu/lokitup/

Reported by Evan Fitzpatrick  fitz@fitznews.com

Published in: on June 28, 2009 at 11:28 am  Comments (1)